The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 547

but experience had made him fearful and suspicious of men, and therefore he said, '' Swear unto me by God," &c. (ver. 15). He had a sense of religion, and believed thnt Divine justice would avenge the violation of an oath, though it should be taken to a slave. 3. With efficient and faithful performance of his engagements. He not on·Jy gave David the info1mation he sought, but guided him to the camp of the enemy, and contributed to fl result which repaid him a hundred-fold (ver. 18). IV. PRESERVED AND EMPLOYED DY DIVINE PROVIDENCE, which-1. Cares for the lowliest. "Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any" (Joh xxxvi. 5). "Neither doth God respect any person" (2 Sam. xiv. 14). 2. Often makes use of the feeblest instrumentality for the chastisement of the "wicked in great power." 3. And for the promotion of the welfare of the people of God, and the establishment of his kingdom. What a rich harvest may spring from a single act of kindness toward even the most despised I "He prayeth well who loveth well Both man and bird and beast. He prayeth best who loveth best All things both great and small : For the dear God who loveth us He made and loveth all" (Coleridge). D. Vere. 21-31. (THE BROOK BESOR, ZIKLAG.)-The fruits of victory. When David overtook the Amalekites in the evening twilight he found them given up to riotous indulgence, undefended, and little thinking how near they were to destrnction. Hi) forthwith fell upon them, and after a severe conflict, which lasted till the evening of the next day, gained a complete victory. He" recovered all" that had been carrier] away. In addition he obtained much spoil, consisting of flocks and herds, and of "arms, ornaments, jewels, money, clothes, camels, accoutrements, and so on." The former were assigned to David (according to his wish, and a~ better adapted to the end he had in view), and driven in front of the recovered flock with the exclamation, "This is David's spoil." The latter were carried away for distribution among his men_ By his victory a crushing blow was inflicted on a bitter enemy of the people of Israel, and a great deliverance wrought for them. He evidently regarded himself as ( not merely engaged in a private enterprise, but as) acting on their behalf, and catTying- out God's purpose; and his conduct after the battle was marked by-1. Considerate sympathv with the faint and weary who had been disabled from taking an active part in the conflict. "He saluted them" (ver. ~l). As he had not previously urged them beyond their strength, so now he exhibited a kindly interest in them, and a marked respect toward them. His heart was not lifted up by success. They had "done what they could," and formed part of his following. "They also serve who only stand and wait." 2. Strenuous resistance to the arrogant, selfish, and unjust procedure of some of his followers (ver. 22). "Rough, wild men were many among them, equally depressed in the day of adversity, and recklessly elated and insolent in prosperity. Nor is it merely the discipline which David knew how to maintain in such a band that shows us 'the skilfulness of his hands' in gui6ing them, but the gentleness with which he dealt with them, and above all the earnest piety with which be knew how to tame their wild passions, provo the spiritual 'integrity' or' perfectness of his heart'" .Edersheim). The spirit whic)1 these" wicked and worthless men" dis- played is sometimes found even in the Church of Christ, and requires to be met with firm and uncompromising opposition (1 Pet. v. 9). 3. Devout recognition of the hand of God, in bestowing whate,er good is possessed, preserving from harm, and delivering from dang·erous adversaries. "Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the Lord bath given us," &c. (ver. 23). "Man could not boast of his own merit i11 obtaining these possessions" (Ewald). They were a gift of God, and should be used for bis honour and the good of all. There is a higher Jaw than that of self- interest. Men are only II stewards" (not absolute owners) of property, ability, time', intlncnce, &c., and as such it behoves them to "be found faithful." "Freely ye han, reeri ved, freely give." 4. Equitable distribution. "And who will hearken unto you in this matter?" &c. (vers. 24, 25). The course proposed was as contrary tc> Uio common convictions of men concerning what is reasonable and just as to the 560 THE FIRST DOOK OF SAMUEL. [err. XXX. 1-81,